What strengths do INFJs bring to their work?

At work, the INFJ is focused on the task of bettering the human condition. INFJs are dedicated, helpful, and principled workers who can be relied on to envision, plan, and carry out complex projects for humanitarian causes.

Although they are typically driven by lofty ideals, Counselors gain the most satisfaction from their work when they can turn their ideas into reality, creating constructive change for other people.

INFJs are typically organized and prefer work that allows them to complete projects in an orderly manner. They are often independent and tend to prefer a quiet environment that allows them the opportunity to fully develop their own thoughts and ideas.

The ideal work environment for an INFJ is harmonious, industrious, and oriented to a humanitarian mission, with co-workers who are similarly committed to positive change. The ideal job for a Counselor allows them to use their creativity in an independent, organized environment to develop and implement a vision that is consistent with their personal values.

What are some good careers for an INFJ?

The top driver for INFJs in choosing a career is the opportunity to do something that is consistent with their values. Often, INFJs choose careers in helping professions like health care, education, or counseling. INFJs are thinkers by nature and appreciate careers that allow them to use their intellect on problems that interest them. Often, these are people problems, for instance in psychology, but INFJs can also be found in other areas of the sciences and even engineering.

Many INFJs have a creative streak which can be seen in the top INFJ career trends. Working with language is especially popular for INFJs, but they can also be found in various fields in the arts.

Top career choices for INFJs include:

Health Care

Health care careers are a wonderful opportunity for INFJs to combine their deep caring for the welfare of other people with their often formidable intellectual capabilities. Many INFJs enjoy the sciences and find it extremely satisfying to put their scientific knowledge to use in helping others. Sample health care careers for INFJs include:

Counseling and Social Service

INFJs are typically wonderful listeners and deep, insightful thinkers when it comes to personal problems. They have a high degree of intuition about people and a deep well of patience in dealing with sticky emotional situations. All of these qualities make them talented, compassionate counselors, social servicepeople, and religious workers. Sample counseling and social service careers for INFJs include:

Business & Law

INFJs are often found making the business world a little more human, in HR, training, or the more humanitarian professions within the law. Sample careers for INFJs in the business and legal fields include:

Education

Although teaching in front of a classroom is a typically Extraverted activity and can be a challenge for more Introverted INFJs, they often find it deeply satisfying to help children and adults grow and develop. Education careers that involve working with smaller groups, or one-on-one, are an especially good fit. Sample education careers for INFJs include:

Language and Arts

Many INFJs love the expressive quality of language, and they typically have the focus and concentration necessary to be excellent writers and editors. Other areas of the arts appeal as well. Sample artistic careers for INFJs include:

How can an INFJ find the right career?

INFJs, like all personality types, are most satisfied and successful when they choose a career that takes advantage of their natural strengths, talents, and interests. If you're searching for the right career, check out the Career Personality Profiler test, which provides a complete assessment of your personality, interests, and aptitude.

What careers should the INFJ avoid?

It is important to note that any personality type can be successful in any occupation. However, some occupations are well suited to the natural talents and preferred work style of the INFJ, while other occupations demand modes of thinking and behavior that do not come as naturally to this type. Occupations that require the INFJ to operate outside their natural preferences may prove stressful or draining, and often sound unappealing to Counselors who are choosing a career.

The following occupations have been found to be unpopular among INFJs, based on data gathered from surveys of the general population.

wandella (not verified) says...

Guest (not verified) says...

3 years 6 months ago

I totally agree I never fit in anywhere and always thought it was because I must be a social regect but as I got older I realized my social skills are just fine it had to be something else....then I take this test and viola it is all clear to me now.

CoffeeChemist (not verified) says...

2 years 4 months ago

^^^THIS. Yes. I have to take each circumstance and situation one at a time and find my place in it. It's exhausting.
Then if a known situation changes I have to start over again. The down side I suppose. But it means I CAN be flexible and get along in many different situations I suppose - unlike some other types.

creceda says...

2 years 3 months ago

Yes we are who we are, however if one takes this test as a teenager and is easily influenced by others energies he or she might have a change of personality once on their own. I found this to be true for myself. Yes, we are who we are.

Guest (not verified) says...

1 year 6 months ago

That's how I feel as well. I did the test first as a teen and then again in my thirties. I did it a few years ago again in my fifties and it has always come out INFJ. I didn't realize how enviable or fashionable a type it was until recently. My point being that your results can be skewed by wanting to be perceived a certain way.

JulesM (not verified) says...

5 months 2 weeks ago

I agree. We don't change our personality type but as we grow and learn we begin to be more in touch with our true self. Many years ago I may have incorrectly answered questions by thinking how others see me. Hence sometimes being seen as an extrovert when in reality I am truly an introvert. I know myself on a deeper level in my 40's. Blessings

madison cory (not verified) says...

1 month 5 days ago

i just love my bass guitar. i can connect with it/ music in general better than any person in general. (especially better than any old theripists that i don't know that probably just listens to me for the money.

GeneINFJ (not verified) says...

Arch-Alien (not verified) says...

2 days 10 hours ago

We completely concur; as in, my #1 challenge has been not so much trying to fit into any class or click but just realizing that I don't and won't, and I'm OK with that. I just wish I could figure out a way to politely yet tactfully exclude my self from groups trying to include me without standing out and appearing awkward, cause I get along with everyone...until...

Guest (not verified) says...

2 years 7 months ago

Actually, once you understand the cognitive functions, you realize that it does not change as you grow and have new experiences. We might have areas that require growth, and when growth occurs, it can seem that a personality change makes sense. But, ultimately, how we process our world and the way that happens inside our brains doesn't change. It helps to expand beyond taking the online test. After all, those that administer these tests as a profession are highly educated and trained to do so.

Guest (not verified) says...

2 years 5 months ago

I am an INFJ. When I took the test the second time (scored the same results), it was explained that people's results can change. It is unlikely that they will change after 25, because your personality and preferences are pretty concrete.

Guest (not verified) says...

2 years 4 months ago

you definitely are right; however, when doing these tests, we should use our core beliefs and not what we think is right. I think this is one of the reasons why ISTJs and ISFJs are the most common, their qualities are most valued in our society. Humble, quiet, hard working, and adhere to social norms.

Guest (not verified) says...

Guest (not verified) says...

2 years 6 months ago

We humans are complicated folks...while these four areas may be dominant, we are probably a mix of a lot more. Certain things that are latent in our youth may emerge as we mature. I was more of an infp as a youth...as i grew older the p, the judgment aspect emerged and i learned to nurture it so that i am more of a practical doer than i once was...

Guest (not verified) says...

Thushara (not verified) says...

2 years 3 months ago

Never worry about the changes in future. Be YOURSELF, NOW! And if you happen to change, if you really would, then you can BE that person THEN. You have a whole lot of years in your life ahead young one!

woofy20 says...

Clinton (not verified) says...

4 years 7 months ago

It's striking to me, really, how many other INFJ's were INTP's in their younger years! I, too, am in that boat, having just taken the test again at 29. I'm so fascinated by the idea that our small group of individuals seem to share these similar stories of growing wiser through experience, and that we seem to unanimously come to the same conclusions, ultimately landing us into the INFJ personality type. I find that being a rarity, oftentimes, means feeling misplaced, misunderstood, and alone, and just seeing all these comments, from those whom I definitely consider to be kindred souls, makes me feel so connected and, even more so, downright comforted!! : )

Guest (not verified) says...

4 years 5 months ago

I agree that it's really surprising many INTPs have become INFJs in their later years. I was one of those myself. Now looking more into this personality type I feel like I can understand myself so much better. It fits perfectly and it really does feel nice to know there are kindred spirits. One of the greatest things was finding out a friend I was just introduced to was also an INFJ. It's no wonder we got along so well right from the beginning.

Another infj (not verified) says...

Thomas (not verified) says...

3 years 8 months ago

I am an IFNJ to the core. When I was a kid, we went on a long trip to visit my maternal grandmother, and I got in trouble because I wouldn't talk to her. She WAS a stranger, after all. I studied science and became a nutritionist and formulator. During my working years, I was the counsellor, facilitating understanding and common vision at every level of management, in every direction. I functioned as an IFNP. My company recently changed the CEO, and the new guy removed me from all active management about a year ago, allowing me the opportunity and the pleasure to revert back to a functional INFJ in my quiet room where I can be creative without interruption. The cohesiveness that used to be there in the company is absent, and he doesn't know why. What I know (since I was basically the sole creator of all the company's products), is that I am responsible for changing the core values of the company, and my creativity led to the 5-fold increase in revenue and profit over 17 years, but the CEO, who's been with the company 14 years, doesn't get it. Now, at 60, as I retire from this company, I know that there's likely a train wreck in the making, but I'm going to be enjoying being a teacher and consultant, a leader of creativity and innovation (among those who do recognize my unique knowledge and skills) to care.

Liz. Also an INFJ (no surprise) (not verified) says...

3 years 6 months ago

Same here Thomas. Im glad you recognize yr worth. I think it is our quiet way that sometimes allows us to be overlooked in the noisy, pushy world of business. I have had similar experiences myself to the one you describe. Do enjoy yr time ahead. It sounds delightful!

Guest (not verified) says...

2 years 7 months ago

I concur regarding our ability to create a cohesive, open, caring and creative environment. I described myself the other day to someone as the glue that fills the cracks and holds all the stuff together. No one ever gives the glue any credit. You never really see it and think that it is a discretionary, disposable "nice to have" vs. "need to have." Enjoy your retirement. Maybe folks will stick together to honor your contributions and meet the standards and expectations for communication and shared vision that you modeled for them.

brentamiller says...

2 years 4 months ago

I also find myself being the "glue" that sticks everything together. Very important to the organization, but often taken for granted and pushed aside. Forward, deep thinkers are often disliked by impulsive go getters.

One thing that I find difficult is that I do not enjoy being at the top in the hierarchy, but rather in a supporting position; however, in a sector like education, that often means being at the bottom and not having any control over what happens in your organization.

At the moment I'm struggling with the question of whether to move into educational consulting and work on my own, or to lead a more relaxing life as a simple teacher. How can one be the "glue" that holds things together if you are a freelance?

Thushara (not verified) says...

2 years 3 months ago

If I were you, I would treasure the relaxing part. You still can be effective as a teacher, concentrating on your individual pupils rather than the big picture of a large educational system. You can groom individuals to be their best. Good Luck Bantonym!

Guest (not verified) says...

3 years 3 months ago

INFJs' THINKING and FEELING are both very well developed therefore you can test INFJ now and INTJ later, especially if you are hormonal.lol.So you are still INFJ but we operate well in thinking mode as well because that gives us the ability to practical demonstrate our ideals and desires to make a difference, we are not mere dreamers we are doers.We are so good, what can I ( WE) say.lol ....and humble...

Guest (not verified) says...

CTK (not verified) says...

3 years 9 months ago

Same thing here....I think I changed from INTP to INFJ as a result of becoming a spouse and a parent. I also think that 15 years of teaching have impacted my personality. Interesting that someone else had the same change.

HeyyItsAJ (not verified) says...

3 years 7 months ago

I think we begin to understand ourselves better as we get older and that's why we may score different. When you're stressed you can act in a different way. For example, I'm an INFP, but when I'm stressed I act like an ENFP. I'm naturally introverted, but when I get way too caught up in my thoughts I need outside stimuli, so I become more extroverted. It's just whether or not you're in tune with what makes you comfortable, or if you feel threatened somehow. Hope that offers insight :)

Guest (not verified) says...

2 years 3 months ago

You make a great point here. I have always scored INFP throughout my youth and only recently as INFJ. I definitely feel more aligned with my core self now. I realize much of my -P was a protection strategy (in my case, unwilling to face my fear of rejection and take action in social contexts).

Guest (not verified) says...

3 years 9 months ago

My opinion is stated as this:

INFJ's have a different kind of beauty compared to most types. Nature v.s. Nurture plays a role in this as well whether we change as we grow- but here's the twist that we should remember. INFJ'S have the ability to adjust to both functions as they go about through life. Our innerworld is what we love to be in, but we also use the functions to be a part of the outer world to make connections because we are so detached from it. When we do come out and we do try new things (different functions), we may feel like we are different from what we were. I was born with hearing, but as I aged to 3 I became deaf to the point where I couldn't hear, so I went through no hearing, to hearing, to no hearing and back to hearing. Now I have a better device which is called a Cochlear Implant. My mind was in its own world for so long because that was all I knew when I was in the process of improving my hearing. So, my Si function couldn't really work as much at all, I was a dreamer and idealist for so long, and very introverted. As I developed, and I began to hear again and met up on the same pace with my classmates, I became more extroverted.

Later I took the Meyer's Briggs test and came out as an ENFJ; I felt that was true, but later I began to take the test again, and different sites so I could see how accuruate it was or not. The test came to be INFJ. I truly found my niche and feel that I can switch between functions to make connections to the outer world while still having my inner world with me. We go through different stages in life.
In child development we learned that by the age of 5 a child's personality is developed, we can continue to change our personality but we have genes that we cannot change and tendencies that cannot be reversed. Honestly there's no argument about what's correct and what's not. We are who we say we are, and only we know the depth of ourselves, secrets in our being that no human could ever explore.

Hope this makes sense somehow.
P.S. I recommend researching many different sites about INFJ's that will give you a well rounded idea- or bigger picture

Matthias Terccero (not verified) says...

3 years 6 months ago

I love your comment,

'We are who we say we are, and only we know the depth of ourselves, secrets in our being that no human could ever explore.' This is beautiful. I agree. We have an intimacy with ourselves that know one can truly understand.

Guest (not verified) says...

3 years 9 months ago

I think the description of the types give us fundemental information who we are to begin. Years pass and we evolve our foundation. We may begin by being idealist towards the future but experiences over time teach us to live pragmaticly at the presence. The passage of time makes things richer.

MatteBlack says...

3 years 6 months ago

There are many I know who take the personality test, idealizing themselves to be something they wish they could be, but certainly are not. Through my life I have met far TOO many "INFJ" or those who obviously claim to be. Upon further discovery of their lives and in comparison to my own I have always come to realize that they are not INFJ but have some sort of respect for the personality type and attempt to exemplify it. I don't know why this is. I have been taking this test since I was 15 and for over a decade at various times throughout every year. Sometimes I would take the test drunk. Sometimes depressed, sometimes at complete ease. Always INFJ. Never anything else. Whereas I have friends who take it and get different answers every time. Does this mean they are all these things? Possibly. As someone who takes his convictions very seriously, and life in general very seriously, I would say they are none of these things. Who cares? Stop trying to be something you are not. These personality tests are designed to help cure your confusion about careers, relationships, etc. Not to make you feel proud of who you are as a lonely 1 or 2 percent. There's no compliments for the rare, only the original. So be true to yourself. Next time you take the test, be honest. Don't answer who you think you are, or what you would like to be. Be entirely Y O U

LOL (not verified) says...

3 years 5 months ago

While I agree with the core message of your rant, I have to say ... chill out my friend. Like I said I agree with you, and I believe most others do as well. However I must say you seem overly "serious" about preaching authenticity to others and very proud about your consistent INFJ results over the years. My simple suggestion my friend, being also INFJ,is that you use your insight to build more so than to rebuke. Your understanding will go farther with a delivery of compassion and consideration.

Guest (not verified) says...

2 years 7 months ago

Please consider that, as with all aspects of oneself, some people live permanently at the far ends of a continuum, so fluctuations in their mood or perspective do not register as a different "type." Others' set points, however, may be closer to the middle of the scale, so fluctuations for them do push them over the magic "0" point to register them as a different type. Your consistent type may not prove that your personality is any more stable than anyone else's, but only more extreme than many others.

GuestV (not verified) says...

2 years 7 months ago

Hmmm...if you take the test and come out as this type, why should it not be true for others? Why do you think others are not being honest?
I remember attending an MTBI training in which the presenter cautioned us against assigning types to other people - the tests are for us to figure out ourselves, not others. And since we really don't know what's inside another, it seems very arrogant to declare that those many people you refer to are not INFJ.

Guest (not verified) says...

2 years 7 months ago

If you read after the quiz..closely.. there are fluctuations in each INFJ; you are a percentage of introversion.. And so on.. Each percentage will vary in each INFJ.. So not too often you even meet an INFJ that is fully similar. I'm only 6% judging over perceiving.. So naturally depending on any life scenario I may lean towards the latter.. No two people are EXACTLY the same so everyone is their own original.. Some just may not know themselves well enough to interpret every question on all these "tests" the same way.. They may not be able to outwardly look upon themselves to know how they would truly react. I do love interacting and helping people so much I feel I could walk into a room and stand in the "middle" but I know when I do, in real life, I'll move to the edge of the room and watch. Those who know themselves can accurately evaluate themselves. Your passion is wonderful but with all respect.. Everyone is an original. Entirely "YOU"

Guest (not verified) says...

Guest (not verified) says...

2 years 8 months ago

Another person on the same train here. I think it makes sense though, because an INTP tends to analyze situations around them and attempt to find a solution for a problem. If an INTP pick human behaviors and conflicts as their subject, there might be a big chance that they will come to appreciate deep counseling as the powerful tool.

Guest (not verified) says...

CL (not verified) says...

2 years 7 months ago

If you tested INTP in the past yet test INFJ now, my first question is, "do you identify with INFJ? Is it a better fit for you?" You might switch your individual letters , on a test, under stress. Perhaps you found yourself acting "P" because you needed to act P under social pressure, or P was more expedient. Of course this assumes you answered the questions of the test in a way that wasn't quite true to yourself. Carrying that thought forward, maybe you were a "P" wanabe, and answered the quiz to reflect the way you wished you were. Look at the gestalt of INFJ-ness and INTP-ness. Look to INFJ preferences: introverted intuition, then extroverted feeling, THEN introverted thinking. INTP is quite different. You can not mistake one for the other and they don't just switch. You messed up the test somehow or had a real sea change in 15 years. Is intuition alive and well in you? is it your mysterious friend? then INFJ. I could go on, lots to this. Just spend time considering the preferences and how the prefs work together. If INFJ, your gut will tell you. If INTP, your intellect will decide.